Children of the Revolution audiobook

The twenty-first entry in this long-running series pits Chief Inspector Alan Banks against his own superiors as well as a clever killer and a group of reluctant witnesses. The body of a man who is obviously down and out is found under a bridge near an abandoned railway line. He has all the hallmarks of a man who is virtually homeless, save for the fact that he's got five thousand pounds in his pocket.It turns out that the victim, Gavin Miller, was once a college professor who was forced out of his position after allegations of sexual misconduct. He's been on the skids ever since. Banks and his subordinates discover that, in his youth as a college student, Miller was connected to people who have now moved into the upper crust of British society. The evidence suggest that some of these people may have played a role in Miller's death, but when Banks asks these people some relatively innocuous questions, they complain and his supervisors warn him off and tell him to look elsewhere for his suspects. Well, what's a copper to do? If you're Alan Banks, of course, you're going to follow the trail wherever it might lead you and if that gets you into trouble, so be it. While his supervisors insist that Miller's death probably had something to do with drug dealing, Banks becomes increasingly convinced that the real cause of his murder stems back to things that happened years earlier. The case takes a lot of interesting twists and turns and in the meantime, of course, Banks will listen to a lot of music, much of it from his own days as a younger person. But in the end, of course, truth will out and this turns out to be another very good addition to this series.

My old friend Alan Banks is back, and Peter Robinson finally shakes his life up a bit.What I love about Mr. Banks is how regular he is. Peter Robinson has created one of the best characters in crime-fiction, and where all other main characters regularly have their lives turned up-side-down in every book, Banks is a normal guy with everyday problems. He is totaly and utterly believable, and a person you want to follow to find out what happens with him. After over 10 years of reading of Mr. Banks, he is like an old friend you get to hang out with from time to time - getting a update from, and then it's back to your own life until you see him next.The crime in this book is, like always, only second most important in Robinsons books. Banks evolvement is the main focus in the book, through the development of the crime.Best from Robinson in a while! Can't wait to see what's next for my old friend...

PETER ROBINSON (March 17, 1950, Leeds, England - October 4, 2022, Toronto, Canada.)Three British detectives I have enjoyed reading over recent years have been Dalgleish (P.D. James), Wexford (Ruth Rendell) and DCI Alan Banks, the creation of Peter Robinson. All three are very erudite men and unique in their own way of solving crime throughout England.Probably the most "working-class" of the three is Banks, a Yorkshireman who, with his dedicated team (lots of well etched and strong female characters) are up to their necks in all sorts of local intrigue past and present in this caper. This excellent work is very much a story of the present catching up with the past. Extremely well plotted and with a satisfying conclusion, this book is an absorbing read with a nice touch of British politics included with the tumultuous miners' strike and radical change of the 1970s figuring prominently. Good solid detective yarn.

I gave this book two stars three years ago. When I downloaded it from the library I saw it marked at 56% done, a kindle progress marker that can usually be relied on but I had not marked it as abandoned, so who knows what my deal was back then. I started fresh now, last day of February 2018 and will admit when I got to half-way point of book I felt it was dragging and just may have given up on it back then.The murder investigation featured in this book does seem inefficient, slow with too many resources assigned. A former professor is found dead, clearly having fallen off a bridge or pushed to his death. A great deal of poking into private lives is done by several people working for Banks, and early on he gets called on the carpet for ruffling feathers of celebrity-status titled resident. Digging into the past to discover how the Lady and the disgraced professor were linked spotlights the activism of college students of the 1970's...what the "children of the Revolution" got up to in their youth.In one particular, the truth uncovered by Banks is shielded by political necessity leading MI5 rep to say, "As it happens, you've done us all a favor this time, whether you intended to or not. Do much better, and the next thing you know we'll be asking you to join us."

I loved it!The only fault I can find is that whodunnit (and why) became totally obvious shortly before Robinson started to reveal it (slowly). Still, it was a very good story -- a true mystery, unlike his last two.The multi-layered and difficult decision making that Banks must do at the end is superb. Whether or not he made the "right" decision isn't important. It's the way he thought it through that is so admirable.

I don't even bother looking at the flyleaf on Peter Robinson's books. I just know I'm in for a good read with whatever case he's cooked up for Inspector Alan Banks. Children of the Revolution is the latest (21st) entry in this favourite series. Was it an accident? When the body of a recluse, once a professor at local Eastvale College, is found at the bottom of a ravine in an area difficult to access, it looks like it may be. Perhaps a sucicide.It is only when they the local constable finds an envelope containing a significant amount of cash on the body, that Banks and his team are called in. Maybe it was murder. But why wasn't the cash taken? Where did this destitute man come up with such a sum? As Banks and his team dig into his background, surprising revelations are revealed. Professor Miller was accused of sexual misconduct at the school, summarily dismissed and that began his descent to the marginalized life he was leading. Further investigation leads them to a connection with Lady Veronica Chalmers. The higher ups warn Banks away from this line of investigation, but of course he can't leave it be. The victim in this case is close to Banks' age. Robinson has moved his character steadily forward, both chronologically and in his personal life. This man's death has Alan taking a second look at his own life. This is one of the things that have made this series one of my favourites - the personal lives of the characters. I often feel like one of the locals in the pub, catching up on the latest. Banks' music selections are a big part of the books as well - I've often followed up on these and have discovered many new artists. Recurring characters such as Winsome and Annie are also back. Winsome and her calm ways are a perennial favourite. Annie is a character I used to enjoy, but her personality has changed since her accident a year ago. She is more difficult now, with rougher edges and less patience. She too, is aware of the changes in herself. Robinson adds another female character to his team in this latest book. Gerry Masterson is young and green, but brilliant at research. Will she fit in with the team? I quite liked her and hope she continues to be a part of the series going forward. Robinson's mysteries are always intelligent, well thought out and a pleasure to read. In Children of the Revolution, we are taken back forty years to the early 1970's, Communism, Marxism, political activism and more. Specific references had me off to the computer to follow up. (Yes, Robinson's book is based on facts) Robinson presents many options, alternatives and paths to explore alongside of Banks and his team. Attention to detail will lead careful readers to the whodunit before the final pages, but this won't lessen anyone's enjoyment of this latest entry in an excellent series. Robinson still managed to surprise me with the ending.

I can’t quite believe that it has been three years since I last read a DCI Banks novel – Bad Boy – where does the time go? Children of the Revolution, the latest in the Banks series, allows me to reacquaint myself with the enigmatic Yorkshire based Detective Chief Inspector who, I discover, is pondering promotion, retirement and life away from the frontline and causing his superiors headaches. At least that’s what they hope by dangling the carrot.The book moves along at a quick pace and we follow a number of characters throughout as they try to make sense of Gavin Miller’s murder early on in the book and this theme continues for the best part of the book. The writing is fluid and the narrative an intelligent blend of discovery and impressive storytelling. The book never felt rushed to me, sedate in parts even, and as Robinson slowly moves towards a fitting and satisfying climax he manages to increase the tempo with each turn of the page moving from scene to scene thanks to a well-crafted and multi layered plot.For me though this book is so much more than a detective story. It’s about one man’s passion for takeout food, his cottage and music. Robinson throws in the odd atmospheric pub lunch for good measure but it’s the numerous music and cinematographic references that had me searching the internet and youtube to find out who some of the artists were! This author’s clear love for music and the movies can be found in all his books, Beyond the Poison – a wonderful standalone book – is another fine example of his affection to the arts.You can’t help but like Banks, he is a dogged and likeable character, one you’d want fighting your corner for sure. Reading Children of the Revolution was akin to welcoming home a long lost friend. DCI Banks is one of the best leading British detectives out there and one I hope will be with us for a number of years. I certainly don’t want him retiring just yet! If he does, and he moves away, I hope I get chance to buy his cottage!

When it comes to British mysteries, I am quite warm-hearted towards old-fashioned inspector novels that are complex, clever, and gripping. This book is indeed all of that and more. The more I read, the more I couldn't put the novel down. I found myself puzzling over the mysterious details and marveling at how many people in this world refuse to tell the truth. There were no bedroom scenes, and while there were plentiful uses of profanity, I was not overly offended. None of this took away from the fascinating mystery. The action did not cease until the end of the novel.Notwithstanding, the conclusion of the mystery was just a tad anticlimactic. For me, I prefer mysteries that I read to end with everyone getting their "just desserts." I did feel that some people involved in the story escaped their true punishment. But I do suppose that this mystery is more realistic that way. At least the murderer found justice (though not in the way I would have preferred). So in retrospect, those evaded punishment had the opportunity to begin anew. Here is hoping that they will! I am also at a disadvantage because this is the first Inspector Banks novel I have read. Yes, it is a stand-alone mystery, but I believe I would have derived more enjoyment from this novel had I known the Inspector's backstory a bit more. This is certainly a detective novel I can highly recommend.I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

Ahh, nothing quite like a clever, British mystery novel to stir this reader's grey-matter. Peter Robinson's delightful protagonist, Chief Inspector Alan Banks, is back at it in this well-crafted story that takes one back to the late 60's - early 70's world of music, counter-culture, drugs, and sex. If you are beyond a certain age, the references will be familiar, but one needn't have grown up in that period to enjoy the complexities contained in this fine whodunit. Of course, in every Banks mystery, there will be lots of music and fine-food to go along with his detective skills, which makes him all the more engaging as a copper-- and managing his relationships with a number of female partners in his squad just adds a bit of spice to the entire picture. Highly recommended if you like some intellectual and vocabulary stimulation along with your murder mystery.

Another good story. This one involved the death of a destitute man with links to a famous author and Lady of the realm. These links go back 40 years. We get a lot of talk about what was happening in the UK in the early 70's and the music that was was being played. We find out a lot about the dead mans life and his university days. I liked the way the story was going until the end. This is the second time that Peter Robinson has used this way to end a story and I am not really happy with it. There was no need to use this ending. When I talked with Peter Robinson at a book fair back in June I mentioned that Alan Banks has so far not disappointed me. I was asked what would he have to do to disappoint me. I said I was not sure ( I had not read this book yet) but this ending comes close. This ending does not fit my opinion of DCI Banks. Also, why oh why is he always chasing after women half his age. He is a man in his mid 50's what the hell is he doing with someone the same age as his daughter. This is the question I should have asked Peter Robinson.

And yet again, well done Mr Robinson

A woman walking her dog finds the body of a man on a disused rail track. He's identified as Gavin Miller, a man of solitude and behind on his mortgage. However, five thousand pounds was located on his body.Det. Chief Inspector Alan Banks and his team investigate. They learn that Miller had resigned in disgrace from the school he taught at. This happened four years ago. they also find that Miller went to a college that was a hotbed for protests and political controversy forty years ago.The investigation examines both areas and as Banks is making headway, his superiors warn him off one possible suspect because that person's family has political connections.The author did a good job with setting the mood. Miller was liked as an instructor but he was shy. Now he's become almost a recluse. We wonder how a man can sink this low and if he was really guilty of the accusation that made him resign from his college.It was interesting to read of the characters of Miller's past and see what has become them. We attempt to identify the guilty person but the author does a good job in hiding the truth until the climax which is powerful.

I received this book from the Goodreads First Read program.“Children of the Revolution” keeps the reader turning the pages as we followed Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks and his associates track down the killer of disgraced college lecturer Gavin Miller. And the only way to find the killer is to start at the beginning, forty years ago when young Miller was a college student. The only link to those by-gone times and the present is a fellow college student named Ronnie, who is now Lady Veronica Chalmers. But the powers-that-be have warned Banks off following this path of inquiry. Never one to back off, despite the consequences, Banks is determined to get to the bottom of this puzzling case. He assigns DC Geraldine Masterson to do a bit of undercover sleuthing while keeping DI Annie Cabbot and DS Winsome Jackman following other more acceptable path of investigation. The way that the author develops the case and the characters follow the clues makes this book come alive. The twists and turns of this case and the most unexpected ending made this a most satisfying read